Milwaukee M12 Hackzall reviews wanted.

[Ram Hemi]

Looking for reviews on the M12 hackzall both fuel and non fuel. I don't have any m12 stuff but have a the dual charger and a 2763 impact at work. Thinking the small compact hackzall would work great for cutting rusted out bolts, rubber hosing etc in hard to reach places on the equipment i work on, likely wouldn't be used all the time but I'm sure when I do use it it could be for a while at a time

Thanks in advance.

 

[bcradio]

I have the Fuel M12 Hackzall and while it is ok, I much prefer the full size M18 Fuel sawzall. It just seems to cut way slower than the full size. Just yesterday I got it out wanting to cut some 3/4" to 1.5" branches on a tree and it seemed to do the job, but much slower than I had hoped. I then got out the full size and zipped off the branches with barely a tap of the trigger. To me the speed more than made up for the larger size.

I would say the M12 hackzall is a good buy if you need to fit in a tight area, otherwise I would go full size.

 

[ezriderga]

I have the M12 and the M18, non-Fuel. I find myself using the M12 more than the larger M18. Trimming the hedges and trees in our landscape can be a big job every year. Some of the branches are just much easier to cut with the M12 than other landscape tools. A lot of the success with either of these tools is using the correct blade for the job. I just finished a project using my M12 to cut some PVC. Hope this helps.

 

[smittyjones]

I have the M12 non fuel. It does okay, but not great. A full sawzall is so much better, but this is perfect for trimming my apple trees. I use it at work sometimes, it does pretty good cutting soft things, but the hard fence thing that doesn't pivot makes it hard to cut bigger things or harder things.

I used it to cut an old telephone pole into 4 foot pieces for burning, but it took forever.

 

[racintj]

Looking for reviews on the M12 hackzall both fuel and non fuel. I don't have any m12 stuff but have a the dual charger and a 2763 impact at work. Thinking the small compact hackzall would work great for cutting rusted out bolts, rubber hosing etc in hard to reach places on the equipment i work on, likely wouldn't be used all the time but I'm sure when I do use it it could be for a while at a time

Thanks in advance.

bcradio is right on. The M12 is a great tool when needed, and it really does a good job. But, there is no replacing the M18. If I can get to the bolt or part with the M18, that's what I use. If it's a tight area or something small, I'll grab the M12.

Also, be sure to use appropriate and quality blades. Btw, Milwaukee makes some very good blades.

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[DFB]

I have had the brushed 2420 for several years and I use it quite often. Handy little tool to have around. Offers up one handed use and easy to carry, fits in small tool bag.

It is what it is and so as long as one doesn't expect it to do what a big recip saw will do...you know stuff like construction demo work


It is quite satisfactory for many small jobs and with the right blades it can be used to cut threaded rod, plastic pipe, metal conduit, steel fence posts, cut nails, or remove a stud here and there. Even makes a pretty decent jigsaw for notching out stuff.

Short stroke and no adjustable shoe, Milwaukee usually gives a couple of 4" sample blades in the kits I think. It can quickly eat thru compact batteries with any extended work and obviously using the XC's it will last much longer

Match the blade to the work, though I have lots of different blades I most often use 6 inch 14tpi bi metal. Just seems to work well for most of the stuff I do. Some complain about vibration and hacking away with coarse wood blades 10tpi or less really can be a bit rough.



M12 Fuel is a bit larger but does offer a boost in power. More money too but I think there have been some good deals on that tool recently like a bare tool and 6.0 battery

I figure I will get an 18v hackzall eventually and maybe its wishful thinking but holding out for Fuel version there!

 

[Ram Hemi]

bcradio is right on. The M12 is a great tool when needed, and it really does a good job. But, there is no replacing the M18. If I can get to the bolt or part with the M18, that's what I use. If it's a tight area or something small, I'll grab the M12.

Also, be sure to use appropriate and quality blades. Btw, Milwaukee makes some very good blades.

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So you are saying I need both hahaha going to get work to supply my blades. The m18 hackzall style one is only 10 bucks more and I already have a couple 4.0 batteries so it's cheaper in the long run, was just wanting something as compact as possible for tight places where I can get a grinder or where is too sensitive for torches.

 

[Ram Hemi]

Thanks for the reviews everyone

 

[dnschmidt]

I have both the M18 and the M12 Fuel. The Fuel (brushless) is certainly worth the extra cash. M12 Fuel isn't quite as strong as the normal M18 but it's a lot closer than the non-Fuel version.

 

[Dagny]

It's nice to have them all.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I had the M12 Non-fuel and was not a fan. Used it for a couple of small jobs at home. It was pretty gutless trying to trim through small branches (maybe 1" diameter, max), or cut through some scrap 2x4. Ended up using my old corded sawzall, and reselling the M12. I could see it working for thin exhaust tubing, but not bolts. Maybe the Fuel version is that much better.

That said, I wouldn't hesitate to give the M18 fuel version a shot.

 

[Ign]

I echo the sentiments of the brushed unit being mediocre at best. Even for branches it just ***** and it also gets really hot (the gear case) if you use it very long at all.

I think the super short stroke really hurts it. I just upgraded to the Fuel myself 'cause everyone here says its noticeably better. I haven't truly used it but I will say in the hand it definitely feels like it's got more zest to it. The Fuel is also noticeably larger.

Now as for stroke IIRC the specs say the Fuel gets an additional 1/8": 1/2" vs 5/8"

Will that extra 1/8" make much difference? I dunno, probably depends upon a lot of factors like tooth count and material being cut.

I just got my Fuel bare tool at full retail but w free 6.0 at Toolup. Are Acme & Toolup (and CPO?) still offering this promo? It's a pretty good deal actually w a 6.0

 

[malibu101]

I am heavily invested in the M12 line and about the only bad things I have to say is about the Hackzall. Mine is brushed.
It's short stroke really hurts it. Thin stuff it's OK. "Thick" stuff not good at all.
If the work (and tool) are not held very strong some of the short stroke is taken up by vibration making the blade barley stroke through the work.
The motor power is just fair.

Again, I use and have very few complaints about many M12 tools and I'm not sorry I got the Hackzall but having experienced it I wouldn't care if I didn't have one.
Apples to oranges- The M18 Sawzall rivals a corded tool.

 

[Rarified27]

I've had the M12 non-fuel, brushed model since 2011 and it sees minimal use due to, as others have explained, the lack of power and short stroke.

Even with the best blades, it's underwhelming. Where I find it the most useful is soft metals like aluminum or occasional plastic, but more often than not I reach for a corded or 18v saw.

Where I struggle the most is the amount of vibration due to the fixed shoe. If the work piece isn't clamped firmly, the pressure required to cut will quickly heat the motor.

Lastly, the 1.5ah batteries are nearly worthless for anything but short cuts- the saw rapidly burns through them. In a bind, I used it for one cut of 1" steel pipe and it made it through halfway into the 3rd battery.

 

[Ign]

I've had the M12 non-fuel, brushed model since 2011 and it sees minimal use due to, as others have explained, the lack of power and short stroke.

Even with the best blades, it's underwhelming. Where I find it the most useful is soft metals like aluminum or occasional plastic, but more often than not I reach for a corded or 18v saw.

Where I struggle the most is the amount of vibration due to the fixed shoe. If the work piece isn't clamped firmly, the pressure required to cut will quickly heat the motor.

Lastly, the 1.5ah batteries are nearly worthless for anything but short cuts- the saw rapidly burns through them. In a bind, I used it for one cut of 1" steel pipe and it made it through halfway into the 3rd battery.

For plastics try the OMT, it's awesome for that kinda thing, plus you can plunge cut. It's the perfect tool for things like modifying the plastic hard cases, again, because you can plunge.

 

[JoJoSnap]

Dont know if its worth a shot to own 12v hackzall or not bcuz its been years im suffering in limbo of yes/no. Im planning to replace wear ring/propeller on my jetski this month. If bring it in for service, it will bang my bank acct way too hard more than i want it to be! So figured I just do it on my own.. hackzall or regular chisel hammer down line thru wear ring.


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[ScottsGT]

I've got the non-fuel M12. Seems pretty good to me! I mostly use it for shrubs/branches. But back last August I was helping a guy cut a car in half and I was pushing it so hard, the 4.0 battery caught fire!
Milwaukee replaced the battery under warranty. Hackzall is still going strong.

 

[IndyGarage]

I've had the M12 for about 6 or 7 years. It's OK. It does much better on the XC batteries. The ergonomics **** pretty bad. The short stroke makes it vibrate in your hand unless you have pretty good leverage to brace it - then the ergonomics sucking pretty bad keeps you from getting leverage.

I also have a similar Makita tool - 12v. It has the same poor stroke as the Milwaukee, but the handhold positions are much better - it's a better tool.

That said, the Hacksall has gotten me out of a jam more than once. I recently had to cut a bolt off in a very inaccessible area on one of my cars, and I spent way too much time in there with the Hacksall pounding away at it, but it finally cut through.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I use my m12 hacksall in the yard, perfect for tree branches and bush limbs too, also pvc pipe, small steel rod, etc, big jobs get its 18v big brother sawzall, YMMV

 

[ADSR]

I have both the M18 and the M12 Fuel. The Fuel (brushless) is certainly worth the extra cash. M12 Fuel isn't quite as strong as the normal M18 but it's a lot closer than the non-Fuel version.

So the M18 fuel Hackzall is the clear winner?

 

[BlackLS2]

I have about 10 of the M12 tools; the Hackzall is by far the least used. With that short stroke, you really have to hold it tight. I have even tried short blades to get a more controlable cut...HACKzall indeed. You need the XC battery to get much done...it helps a little with the cut.

I would get a corded, M18, or Makita LXT Sawzall instead.

 

[2manytools]

So the M18 fuel Hackzall is the clear winner?

NO such thing. There is a M18 hackzall, but not Fuel.


I have owned the non-Fuel M12 hackzall, the M12 Fuel Hackzall, M18 Fuel Sawzall, M18 Fuel One-Key Sawzall, & M18 Hackzall

I can't recommend the non-Fuel M12 after using the Fuel. Significant difference. There is a noticeable size difference (fuel being beefier), but still compact. I have been able to stall the non-Fuel, where the Fuel has kept going. I would never try to cut a 2x4 again with the non-F M12, thats for sure. Neither will replace a full size 18v sawzall. They have thin-kerf short blades for a reason, and the M12 hackzall is it, where as I don't hesitate putting any blade in the M12 Fuel. I love using mine with pruning blades.

If you need a 12v solution, go with the Fuel, you will just wish you made the jump up later on. You can get the bare tool w/ free 6ah battery for $139 i think @ HD.

The M18 hackzall is very similar to the M12. Slightly longer stroke, but a step below a full size. If I didn't have either saw, I would pick the one that I had batteries for already, if that's all it came down to. I would also consider what you will be cutting. If you will more often need 1 hand on the material, then I'd recommend the hackzall style.

Comparing any of those to the M18 Fuel sawzall is sort of a non-starter. Two different leagues. I've used my M18 Fuel to cut down a 15" Maple, when I didn't have access to a chainsaw. None of the other saws would have handled that, but we are also talking twice the size tool. The M18 can be held one handed, and once the blade is on the material it isn't so bad, but I think you get a better/faster cut with 2 hands on the saw.

In all of these cases, use an XC battery. Being a high-amp draw tool, you will notice an increase in power with the larger battery packs.

I have not own the regular M18 sawzall, or corded version. With all the deals involving the M18 Fuel model, I wouldn't have considered it, as I don't like buying old or lesser technology if something else is available. The One-Key is probably unneeded, but I do like having 4 different cutting profiles to choose from in an instant, and toggle the blade brake option.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Love mine, very handy


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[finn]

I've got the non fuel. It works ok, but I'd replace it with something else when the time comes.

Nothing a big fan.

 

[59 wagon man]

I have been impressed with my m12 hackzall, I realize its limits before I start but it worksgreat in those little spots the others wont fit

 

[bcradio]

I use my m12 hacksall in the yard, perfect for tree branches and bush limbs too, also pvc pipe, small steel rod, etc, big jobs get its 18v big brother sawzall, YMMV

Only if you are talking less than a half inch thick. Anything bigger and it takes a bit to get through and you are much better off using the full size sawzall.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Only if you are talking less than a half inch thick. Anything bigger and it takes a bit to get through and you are much better off using the full size sawzall.

Disagree I've used mine on stick way bigger then that.


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[bcradio]

Disagree I've used mine on stick way bigger then that.


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Agree to disagree then.

I never said it didn't work, just works way too slow. If you have all day to cut branches then have at it.

I could technically cut full size trees down with my hackzall if I wanted to.

 

[cheechi]

I have both fuel and non fuel. Both are awesome. Certain times of year they are my most used M12 tool. yard work with a pruning blade, shaking rattle cans, etc.

The fuel might have a little advantage on feeling less vibration, but it is heavier. Might just be perception. The non fuel gets in between studs a bit better though they both fit almost any place you need to demo.

when the fuel version came out I just had to have it, first sale came up I got one. I don't regret it but the real world power difference is say 1.3x - 1.6x more power. The little one is no slouch. The M12 bandsaw complements them very well though, I will never cut pipe with either one unless I have to again. So buy all 3.